McIlroy in pole position as rivals head for home

Rory McIlroy’s goal of ending the season as European No. 1 has received a huge boost with his five nearest rivals, including closest challenger Peter Hanson, deciding not to contest two of the last three events on this year’s schedule.

Organisers of this week’s $6m (€4.6m) co-sanctioned Barclays Singapore Open were holding an invitation for Hanson after Dubliner Peter Lawrie, who was among eight players initially invited, elected not to travel.

However Hanson has declined and returned to his Orlando residence before competing for the season-ending event in Dubai.